College Students Support Autism Programs Through Charity Fashion Show

MIDDLESEX COUNTY — Berkeley College students recently hosted the Fifth Annual Charity Fashion Show in support of autism awareness and programs. More than 50 students planned the event, arranged fashion collections and served as runway models, raising $3,100 for the charity through their efforts.

“This year’s Charity Fashion Show reached a new level of creativity and collaboration,” said Ashante Barnes-Awe, Berkeley College program coordinator and fashion show co-chair. “Students from all Berkeley College New Jersey campuses gained insight into planning and team-building for a successful, large-scale event.”

[smartads]

Each year the fashion show supports a different charity, with this year’s proceeds being donated to the nonprofit Fashion for Autism and Celebrate the Children, a school for children with alternative learning styles in Wharton.

“I’m humbled by the efforts of the Berkeley College faculty, staff and students who worked tirelessly to make this event happen,” said Edwing D’Angelo, founder of Fashion for Autism. “Autism is a silent epidemic that affects our communities, and we are grateful for the support.”

The show had a theme of “All Around the World,” and featured segments by each Berkeley College campus in New Jersey. Segments included Arabian Nights by the Garret Mountain Campus in Woodland Park; Untamed Africa by the Newark Campus; USA Casual/Military and New York by the Paramus Campus; and Indo Western India and Tokyo by the Middlesex Campus in Woodbridge. Clothing, as well as hair and makeup services, were donated by local vendors.

“The Charity Fashion Show is an opportunity to make connections that can further my career in fashion,” said Emily Heredia of Hillside, a Berkeley College fashion marketing and management major who served as a model for the Middlesex Campus. “As someone with a family member with autism, it is also a way to support a good cause.”

Adalysse Peña of Parlin models for the Middlesex Campus during the 5th Annual Berkeley College Charity Fashion Show in support of autism awareness and programs.

Freida Tavarez of Perth Amboy models for the Middlesex Campus during the 5th Annual Berkeley College Charity Fashion Show in support of autism awareness and programs.